Kier awarded £460m ‘missing link’ contract

NATIONAL Highways has awarded a £460 million contract for an upgrade to the A417 ‘Missing Link’ between Swindon and Gloucester.

Kier has been selected to work on the ‘missing link’ project, which will see a further four miles of dual carriageway created on the major route.

Not only do the A417/A419 provide a vital route through the West between Swindon and Gloucester but they are also a critical link connecting the Midlands to the south of England.

It is also an alternative to the M5/M4 route via Bristol.

The Missing Link itself is a three-mile stretch of single-lane carriageway on the A417 between the Brockworth bypass and Cowley roundabout in Gloucestershire.

National Highways says it causes many problems for road users, with “frequent and unpredictable” congestion.

The Planning Inspectorate is now examining the Development Consent Order (DCO) application for the project. This is needed for all ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’ prior to construction starting.

A conclusion is expected in May, followed by a recommendation on a decision to the Government in the summer. A decision on the route is likely to be made in the autumn.

Michael Goddard, project director for the A417, said: “We are delighted to be working with Kier to move forward this vital scheme.

“Kier has an extensive track record working with National Highways and delivering large scale infrastructure projects, so we are confident they will deliver a scheme that meets our landscape-led vision.

“We will work together to deliver a project that is sympathetic with the special character of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and will support economic growth, improve traffic flows at peak times and make the road safer.”